Scott Erwert

My work is a mix of observation, pop culture, historical references, free association and being open to where mistakes may lead. It's like the feeling of being inside of a dream where you are drawn into the emotion of a non linear narrative and have to find your own meaning. There’s a connection there or something that draws you in. It’s my job to create that connection through paint and the 2D surface. Sometimes it reveals itself quickly and organically; most times it’s a struggle which takes time and hard work to pull out the connection and uncover the soul of it. I want to share with the viewer, the progress of this struggle in my paintings.

My process usually involves sketching to capture the physical place or moment, and bringing those studies into the studio to edit, simplify and sometimes deconstruct. I utilize sketchbooks and mediums which can be used to capture thoughts or moments quickly: graphite, colored pencils, watercolor and gouache. Paintings based on these studies generally involve the use of acrylic, oil, and sometimes collage. Final paintings are executed on canvas or custom wood panels. I also build custom wood framing for many of the pieces which adds to the personalized story I‘m telling.

Painting for me is ...

BFA - Oregon State University
Graphic Design and Fine Art

June 2025: North Coast Seed open studios group show, Portland, OR

Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery new member show
Dec 2024 - Jan 2025

Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery Spring Juried Group Show, April - June 2025

March 2020: Oregon Society of Artists Spring Juried Show, Portland, OR: Awarded Best in Show

February 2019: Jack London Revue, Mel Brown portrait commission/permanent collection, Portland, OR

June 2018: North Coast Seed open studios group show, Portland, OR

March 2018: Cascade AIDS Project Art Auction juried exhibit, Portland, OR

June 2017: North Coast Seed open studios group show, Portland, OR

March 2017: Broadway Gallery solo exhibit, Longview, WA

August 2016: Pulse/PDX gallery group show, Bowie vs Prince, Portland, OR

June 2016: North Coast Seed open studios group show, Portland, OR

December 2015: 5 x 5 group show, Verum Ultimum gallery, Portland, OR

December 2015: Bridgeport Brewery Heritage Room 2 person exhibit, Portland, OR

November 2015: Bridgeport Brewery Mezzanine solo exhibit, Portland, OR

September 2015: Multnomah Art Center gallery solo exhibit, Portland, OR

August 2015: Planetarium Exhibit at Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI), Portland, OR

June 2015: North Coast See...